[devilsautopsy]

I was given this SR5710y computer from best buy, it's alright but has a really crappy onboard graphics card. I did however notice it has a pci slot though, so i could possibly put a new video card on it. But I have absolutely no idea what video cards would fit into the tower, and work without additional power.

Model specs: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....rd107400050002

Can ANYONE tell me ANY video cards compatible with this motherboard / tower / windows vista? I just don't want this crappy onboard hunk of junk

[jazz3000]

PCI or PCI-e slot? Jazz

[devilsautopsy]

this is what it says on the specs:
Available Expansion Slots:
1 PCI, 1 PCI-E x1, 1 PCI-Ex16

I only see 2 slots available in the computer though, however I could remove the network card since I don't use it. So I'm fairly certain I have 1 of each? i hope that helps

[Compiler]

Thats a modem card. The Network is onboard... kind of need that for networking... er wired networking.

Name brands like Dell/Hpaq come standard with 300watt PSUs.
Your choices are very limited. If you want to play some of the latest games, you'll have to set them in LOW quality mode.

The computer itself is decent... $460 for a dual-core AMD, 3GB RAM, 260GB HD, 19" LCD and junky printer (always junky).

Note: the GPU card you order online from newegg is a lot cheaper and more choices than at bestbuy/walmart.

GPUs: 300watt or less = ATI-4550 $55 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814125250

But spending $65~80 gets you 3-4x the performance. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...e=&srchInDesc=

I'd spend $80 to get the bigger card to help exhaust the heat. But you'd need at least a 400watt PSU (might as well go 500~550watt). That'll cost you $40~65 for a good PSU... want a list?

Here is a performance chart: http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/g...v1.05,787.html

Notes: these performance charts are based on computers faster than yours... so I'd say you'd be running about 25% slower or so.
- All 4830 fps are estimates based on reviews.
- The 9800GT/GTX perform about the same as a 4830 or a tad slower than 4850.

World in conflict in 1680x1050 (close to your 19" 1440x900)
ATI 4850 = 43fps $120 (might not fit in your case) *500watt+
ATI 4830 = 39fps $95 *500watt+ ($80 after rebate)
ATI 4670 = 24fps $70 *400watt+
ATI 4550 = 10fps $55 (not playable)

Call of Duty 4 in 1680x1050 (close to your 19" 1440x900)
ATI 4850 = 122fps $120
ATI 4830 = 115fps $95
ATI 4670 = 73fps $70
ATI 4550 = 28fps $55 (barely playable)

Crysis in 1680x1050 - Kills anything
ATI 4850 = 28fps $120
ATI 4830 = 27fps $95
ATI 4670 = 19fps $70 * not going to cut it, I have to play in med details.
ATI 4550 = 06fps $55 6.8fps to be exact! This is high detail, NOT Uber MAX.


Half Life2 in 1680x1050
ATI 4850 = 99fps
ATI 4830 = 92fps
ATI 4670 = 64fps (Wow, 3x faster than 4550 at $10~15 extra price)
ATI 4550 = 22fps (not playable)

If you're not interested in games... the 4550 is fine.

[BG-0]

Just and addition to Compiler's post, you won't need a 500-550 W PSU if you get a high quality one. And you can get one for less then 40 $ after MIR, free shipping: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139008 (remember to enter the sales code!!!)
Might run the 4830 too, but more recommended for the 4670 and 4550.
And for 4850 you can also get a pretty good quality power supply for 50 $: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341010


Still, with a crappy case like yours, the IceQ 4670 is pretty much THE video card for it: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814161252
Or for more performance: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814150314 (will need the OCZ SXS600, or a 550-650 Corsair or PC Power & Cooling would be better..)

[Compiler]

The 4550 will work with a good 300watt PSU. Its a very low-powered card.

Performance wise, its on par with a GF7600GT, which is older tech that required 350~400watts.

But for $55, it should play older games (2005 and older) and WOW just fine.

[devilsautopsy]

thanks for your help guys, I think I have it figured out. I do happen to have 3 or 4 extra power supplies (one is 450w), i think I'll just have a friend install that and then buy one of the higher performance cards. with a new power supply and graphics card, for 300$ this was an alright computer ;]

[BG-0]

If it's any kind of a generic or otherwise low quality "450" W PSU, then it's not going to cut it for 4830 or 9800 GTX or 4850.

[jazz3000]

Good price if a few upgrades make it work the way you want it to. Jazz

[Compiler]

Your extra 450watt PSU needs to be ATX 2.x - supporting a 24" mobo power connector... and an ATX power connector for bigger cards (48xx) which requires 500~550watts.

And the PSU needs to be of quality. A $20 500watt PSU isn't worth using... its worse than a 350 watt $50 unit.

What is the brand and model of the 450? If it'll work - the 4670 or 8800GT/9800GT will work... but it'll be "tight" with the 8800/9800 (9800GT - not 9800GTX)